Billings, MT Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Billings, MT, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 4-404, Noisy Animals
- Standard
- Persistent, continuous, habitual noise
- Complaint required
- Written, signed, with contact info
- Penalty
- Civil penalty, Sec. 18-1304
- Exempt
- Vets, boarding, ag/livestock operations
Summary
Billings makes it a civil offense to let a dog or other animal bark, howl, or whine persistently enough to unreasonably annoy neighbors, enforced only after a signed written complaint.
Every person who keeps, feeds, harbors or allows to stay about any premises occupied or controlled by such person, any animal which unreasonably annoys or disturbs any person by persistent continuous and habitual barking, howling, yelping, whining or other noise is responsible for maintaining a public nuisance and shall be subject to civil penalties as specified in section 18-1304. This section does not apply to an animal that is owned, kept, or harbored as part of the business of a licensed veterinarian, animal boarding facility, or agricultural or livestock operation.
The complainant must identify himself or herself by name, address and telephone number.
To constitute a violation for prosecution under this section, a written complaint must be received by the animal control officer which shall include but not be limited to a summary of the nature and duration of the animal noise and any other information or witnesses as may be required by the animal control officer to establish a violation of this section.
(Code 1967, § 8.08.040; Ord. No. 90-4829, § 4, 5-7-90; Ord. No. 03-5259, § 5, 10-27-03; Ord. No. 05-5351, § 3, 12-12-05; Ord. No. 09-5489, § 1, 4-13-09; Ord. No. 10-5501, § 1, 1-11-10; Ord. No. 11-5536, § 1, 6-27-11)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 4-404, keeping an animal that unreasonably annoys or disturbs anyone through persistent, continuous and habitual barking, howling, yelping, whining or other noise is a public nuisance subject to civil penalties. Enforcement requires a named complainant (name, address, phone) and a written complaint to the animal control officer summarizing the noise's nature and duration. Licensed veterinarians, boarding facilities, and agricultural/livestock operations are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty as a municipal infraction under Sec. 18-1304; the animal control officer investigates only after receiving the identified written complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a barking dog anonymously in Billings?
Does one night of barking violate the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana noise ordinances overview
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